Browse the site and make a Donation Now!
As part of our annual commitment, every Ramadan we provide food packs to those most in need across South Africa. We prioritise vulnerable households living below the poverty line — especially the elderly, female-headed households and single-parent families — ensuring they can observe Ramadan with dignity and nourishment.
Our food packs contain staple items like rice, lentils, cooking oil, maize meal, dates, and oats, providing families with the essentials they need to sustain themselves throughout the blessed month.
Zakat Al-Fitr is an obligatory form of charity that every adult Muslim who is by the financial means must contribute on behalf of themselves and their dependants during the fasting month of Ramadan. While it is a relatively small amount, it can make a big difference in the lives of those who are struggling to make ends meet. By collecting Zakat Al-Fitr from those who are able to give, and distributing it among those who need it within communities across South Africa, IRSA serves as a conduit for hope and relief in the run-up to Eid festivities.
Qurbani means ‘sacrifice’. Every year, during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal – a goat, sheep, cow or camel – to reflect Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, for the sake of God. At least one third of the meat from the animal must go to poor or vulnerable people.
IRSA adopts high quality standards – including health, weight (meat yielded) and age – when selecting sacrificial animals, in order to provide the best possible Qurbani offerings. We make every effort to reach some of the most vulnerable communities, often located in particularly remote areas that have been impacted by the effects of climate change and other disasters. By collaborating with local suppliers to facilitate Qurbani, our initiatives also support local economies.
Your questions answered about Islamic Relief South Africa's seasonal giving campaigns, including Ramadan, Qurbani and community distributions.
Islamic Relief South Africa runs major seasonal distribution programmes each year, aligned with the Islamic calendar and the needs of local communities. Our core seasonal programmes include:
These campaigns are among our most impactful each year, reaching tens of thousands of people who would otherwise go without during these significant occasions.
Your generous donations have allowed Islamic Relief South Africa to distribute 7,500 Ramadan food packs in our most recent campaign, supporting over 45,000 people across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Lesotho during the holy month of Ramadan.
Each food pack is carefully assembled to provide a family with sufficient food to break their fast each evening throughout Ramadan, including staple items such as rice, lentils, cooking oil, flour and dates.
Your Qurbani donations have allowed Islamic Relief South Africa to distribute Qurbani meat packs to over 44,000 people across South Africa in our most recent campaign. Globally, Islamic Relief distributes Qurbani meat to over 3 million people in more than 27 countries each year, making it one of the largest Qurbani programmes in the world.
Our Quality Assured Qurbani process prioritises local sourcing where possible, which not only provides fresh, high-quality meat to families in need but also supports local South African farmers and the domestic agricultural economy.
The rising cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for South Africa's most vulnerable families to afford basic food and clothing. Many households rely entirely on food banks and community kitchens to meet their daily needs. For these families, the Ramadan Food Drive and Qurbani distribution are not simply seasonal gestures; they are a critical lifeline.
Seasonal programmes also carry deep spiritual significance for Muslim families. Being able to break the fast with a proper meal during Ramadan, or to share Qurbani meat with neighbours and family during Eid al-Adha, restores dignity and reinforces the bonds of community at a time when many feel most isolated by poverty.
Islamic Relief South Africa follows a Quality Assured Qurbani process that adheres strictly to Islamic principles. Animals are sourced from verified, reputable suppliers, and all slaughter is carried out by trained personnel according to halal requirements. Meat is then processed, packaged and distributed directly to verified beneficiary families.
We are transparent about the entire process and publish reports on our Qurbani distributions so donors can be confident their sacrifice has been carried out correctly and has reached those who need it most.
Our Ramadan appeal typically opens several weeks before the start of the holy month, and our Qurbani campaign opens ahead of Dhul Hijjah. We encourage donors to give early, as this allows us to plan distributions more effectively and reach more families.
You can sign up to our mailing list at islamic-relief.org.za to be notified as soon as each seasonal appeal opens.
Donations to our seasonal programmes can be made through any of the following channels:
You can choose to donate to a specific campaign such as Ramadan or Qurbani, or make a general donation that will be directed to where it is needed most.
Yes. Many of our donors give Qurbani or Ramadan food packs on behalf of a deceased family member, as a form of Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), or as a meaningful gift. When donating online, you can include a dedication note. Please contact us on 0800 111 898 or at info@islamic-relief.org.za if you need assistance with a dedicated donation.
Islamic Relief South Africa holds Section 18A status, which means donations to qualifying programmes are tax deductible in South Africa. A Section 18A certificate will be issued upon request. Please contact us at info@islamic-relief.org.za or call 0800 111 898 to request your certificate.